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With the Jetta Hybrid coming on sale this month, Volkswagen becomes the manufacturer to offer U.S. consumers the most vehicles able to reach or better 40 mpg on the highway. Offered with EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 48 mpg on the highway, 42 mpg in the city, and a combined rating of 45 mpg, the Jetta Hybrid will be the most fuel-efficient vehicle in the Volkswagen lineup.

It also becomes the seventh model offered by the manufacturer capable of more than 40 mpg on the highway.

The other models to achieve more than 40 mpg are all part of the TDI Clean Diesel family: Beetle TDI (manual); Beetle Convertible TDI (manual); Golf TDI (manual and automatic); Jetta TDI (manual and automatic); Jetta SportWagen TDI (manual); and Passat TDI (manual and automatic).

Its Jetta Hybrid is Volkswagen’s second hybrid vehicle to go on sale in the U.S. and its first in the compact hybrid sedan segment.

The hybrid version of the brand’s popular sedan uses a four-cylinder, 1.4-liter, turbocharged and direct-injected TSI engine that is combined to an electric motor and a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. This is a unique way to build a hybrid in this class, where most others will go the CVT route.

Power is rated at is 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque.

The Jetta Hybrid goes on sale at the end of 2012, priced from $24,995.